Golden Eagle Man2

Golden Eagle Hunting Tour – 3 Days at Issyk-Kul

Duration
3 days
Difficulty
2 · Easy-moderate
Group
2–6
Season
Oct – Apr
Dates
Private, any date
Price
On request

Overview

Golden eagle hunting in Kyrgyzstan is a living tradition, and this short 3-day tour takes you right into it. In Bokonbaevo on the south shore of Issyk-Kul you meet the berkutchi – hunters who still train golden eagles and falcons – watch them work with their birds against the red rocks of Skazka canyon at sunset and spend a full day with them on a real winter hunt in the steppe. Comfortable nights in a family guesthouse, the Burana tower on the way back, private tour for 2–6 guests from October to April.

Want more than one hunting day? Ride with the eagle hunters for three days: Horse Riding with Eagle Hunters – 4 Days.

Highlights

  • A day on a real winter hunt with Kyrgyz golden eagle hunters (berkutchi)
  • Golden eagles and falcons at sunset in the red rocks of Skazka canyon
  • Stories about training the birds and nomadic life, first-hand
  • Two nights with a family in Bokonbaevo, the village of eagle hunters
  • The 11th-century Burana tower on the Silk Road on the way back

Is this tour right for you?

  • Easy: no riding skills needed – on the hunting day you move by car, short rides only if you wish.
  • Ideal for photographers, filmmakers and travellers interested in living traditions.
  • A real hunt, not a show: you watch from a distance, and a catch is never guaranteed.
  • Winter conditions: cold mornings and wind in the steppe, often sunny days.
  • Two long drives of about 4–5 hours: Bishkek – Bokonbaevo and back.
Difficulty
2 / 5 · Easy-moderate

Route & days

Guesthouse
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Prices

The price is calculated individually: it depends on group size, dates and accommodation level. Send a request and we will prepare an offer for your group.

Request your dates

Photos

Moments with the eagle hunters

Good to know

Included

  • Private car with driver Bishkek – Bokonbaevo – Bishkek, including the trips to Skazka canyon and the hunting grounds
  • English-speaking guide
  • 2 nights in a family guesthouse in Bokonbaevo
  • Meals from lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 3, including a picnic lunch on the hunting day
  • Eagle and falcon demonstration at Skazka canyon and the hunting day with the berkutchi
  • Visit to the Burana tower

Not included

  • Flights and hotels in Bishkek before or after the tour – easy to book yourself, we are happy to recommend
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Drinks, tips and personal expenses

Season

Best from October to April, when the eagles hunt; September and May are possible on request. Private tour for 2–6 guests on any date. Price on request – it depends on group size and dates.

About the hunt

This is a real hunt, not a show. The hunters choose the place each day depending on weather, snow and where the game is, and you watch from a safe distance. The birds are well trained and fully under their hunter’s control.

What to bring

Warm, windproof clothing in layers, warm boots, hat and gloves, sunglasses and sunscreen, and a camera with a zoom lens.

FAQ

Yes. From October to April you spend a full day with the berkutchi on a real hunt for foxes or jackals. Nature decides, so a catch is never guaranteed – the experience is the hunt itself and the work between hunter and eagle.

No. You move by car; a short ride is possible if you wish. If you want to spend several days in the saddle with the hunters, choose Horse Riding with Eagle Hunters – 4 Days.

Two nights in a warm family guesthouse in Bokonbaevo, with home-cooked meals. Hotels in Bishkek are not included.

Yes. The birds are well trained and always under their hunter’s control. You simply follow the guide’s instructions.

The price depends on group size (2–6 guests) and dates, so we quote on request. Send us your dates; we confirm the program and send an invoice. More winter trips: Winter tours in Kyrgyzstan.

Choose the Golden Eagle Hunting Tour – 3 Days if you want the lighter version: two nights in a comfortable family guesthouse in Bokonbaevo, an easy route, no riding skills needed – you follow the hunt by car. Choose Horse Riding with Eagle Hunters – 4 Days if you want to ride with the hunters: about 55 km on horseback up to about 3,400 m and two nights in simple shepherd’s houses with an outdoor toilet.

Plan this trip with us

Tell us your dates and group size. You get a personal offer within 24 hours, no commitment.

  • Reply within 24 hours
  • No commitment required
  • Small deposit, the rest on arrival

    Trusted local operator — rated Excellent on Tripadvisor

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